2019 Medical Trends Around the World

From January to March we surveyed 204 insurers globally. The highest cause of claims costs remain cancer and diseases of the circulatory system with top risk factors continuing to be: metabolic and cardiovascular, dietary and emotional/mental. Key highlights from this year’s annual survey include:

NO REPRIEVE IN MEDICAL INFLATION

The average global medical trend rate observed in 2018 was 9.7%, three times the general rate - with a similar increase expected for 2019, and even higher rates for 2020.

SMARTER HEALTH CARE CONSUMERS

The number of insurers investing in quality focused care, that provides the right care at the right time in the right setting, has more than doubled.

VIRTUAL CARE BECOMING REALITY

78% of insurers globally are considering or have developed virtual health consultations.